How do cooperative learning strategies work?
Students are placed in mixed ability groups that change at least once a month. Studies have consistently shown that cooperative learning strategies improve the performance of both low and high ability students. Students who are stronger in certain areas continue to develop skills because they are verbalizing what they know. Students who need help get it in a safe, active environment. An additional benefit that is achieved is that students gain social skills needed to work in a cooperative fashion. Students can help each other review for tests, work on joint projects, and encourage positive classroom performance in each other.
